Name: Savu Python

Scientific name: Liasis mackloti savuensis

Range: Island of Sawu

Habitat: Open environment, and they like to borrow.

Status: Threatened by capture of humans for pet trade.

Diet in the wild: small rodents

Diet in the zoo: small mice and rats

Location in the zoo: Herpetarium

• Average Adult Size: 30"-54"
• Small round-bodied 
• Heads are slightly wider than necks
• Females are uniformly dark
• Males are peppered dark and pale scales 
• Adults have stark white eyes 
• Hatchlings and Juveniles are patternless, very pale orange 

General information: 

The Savu Python was discovered in 1993. Sawu Python is another name for the Savu Python because it originates from the island of Sawu which lies off of the coast of New Guinea. This is the only place where a Savu Python can be found, therefore it has the smallest geographical distribution of any python species. Because of this small range the wild population has been negatively affected by collecting for the pet trade. Restrictions are often placed on the exportation of the Savu Python so they are not caught just for the money.

Special anatomical, physiological 
or behavioral adaptations:

Savu Pythons are sometimes very hard to find in the wild because they like to hide beneath rocks and shrubs. They need some type of bedding to lie on, something they are able to "hide" themselves in or under, but they need easy access to water. As hatchlings and juveniles, the pythons will eat small fuzzy mice and as they get older the food will progress to small rats and sometimes medium size rats. 

The temperament of the Savu Python varies from individual to individual just like people do. When found in the wild they are usually more tempermental than in captivity because they will tend to stay around their nests to guard their young. Most hatchlings are said to be snappy and fiesty, but tend to calm down as adults. At the time they are adults they are more used to their surroundings but are very territorial.

Comments about the Savu Pythons of the Fort Worth Zoo:

The Savu Python, aka Sawu Python, was discovered in 1993 and is only found on the Island of Sawu. Most of the Savu Python adults are very calm and are laid back with their surroundings unless they feel threatened. In the case that they do feel threatened, they will ball up and hiss, which does not happen very often.

Personal Observations: 

I think that it is very neat how the females and males have differences in their color and pattern. Also, how the hatchlings and juveniles appear very different from the adults. What I like best is how the eyes of the adults turn white, it is very attractive and stunning.

Source Materials and Related Links:

• VPI Collection
• Care for Savu Pythons 
• Grzimek, Bernhard, editor-in-chief. 
• 
  Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia.
  Volume 6: pages 372-373.

Page author: Amber Campbell 

Send E-mail to 
lucky37@bolt.com